Branchinecta packardi

Irving P.
Apr 3, 2023
1 min read

Updated: Aug 31

Taxonomy and Classification

• Phylum: Arthropoda

• Class: Branchiopoda

• Order: Anostraca

• Family: Branchinectidae

• Genus: Branchinecta

• Species: B. packardi

• Authority: Pearse, 1912

Branchinecta packardi, commonly known as The Rock Pool Fairy Shrimp or Packard's fairy shrimp, belongs to the family Branchinectidae. This species can be found in a diverse range of habitats, including ephemeral potholes, predominantly throughout all seasons of the year. Although often associated with rocky granite habitats, Branchinecta packardi is not limited solely to these environments. It can be frequently observed in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, including states such as Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The characteristics outlined below may exhibit variations influenced by environmental conditions, population dynamics, and the organism's age.

IDENTIFIABLE TRAITS OF THIS SPECIES

Male Second Antenna:

Branchinecta is a diverse genus of fairy shrimp characterized by a suite of morphological traits that facilitate species-level identification and ecological specialization. Males exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism, particularly in the second antennae, which are often modified into grasping structures used during mating. These antennae vary in shape, segmentation, and presence of distal lobes or hooks, serving as reliable taxonomic markers.